Got a garage, attic, or shed that feels like a mouse motel? You’re not alone. Mice love dark, undisturbed spots where they can stash food and build nests. The good news is you can shut them out with a few everyday actions. Below are the most useful tricks that actually work, no special equipment required.
First thing to do is walk the perimeter and look for holes. Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a quarter‑inch, so inspect around pipes, vents, and any wiring holes. Use steel wool to fill cracks; the metal fibers irritate their whiskers and they can’t chew through it. Cover the wool with caulk or expanding foam for extra strength. Don’t forget the doors – sweep the bottom with a door snake or a simple brush strip to block the gap.
Windows and sliding doors often have gaps when they’re closed. Install weather‑stripping or clear plastic film to tighten the seal. For basements, check the concrete foundation for tiny cracks; a quick fill with hydraulic cement works wonders. The more you close off, the fewer places mice have to slip inside.
How you store things matters just as much as sealing. Keep all food items in airtight containers made of glass or heavy‑wall plastic. Even pet food left in a cardboard box can become a mouse magnet. If you have seasonal items, wrap them in zip‑top bags or wrap in plastic film before stacking.
Clutter creates hiding spots. Keep boxes off the floor whenever possible; use shelving that lifts items away from the ground. When you do need to store items on the floor, lay a sheet of metal or a thick rubber mat underneath – mice can’t chew through metal. Regularly rotate stored goods, and discard anything that’s old or broken; a good rule of thumb is to clean out the space at least once a season.
Set up simple traps as a monitoring tool. Snap traps or humane catch‑and‑release traps placed along walls give you a clear picture of mouse activity. If you start catching a few, it means they’re still getting in, so re‑check your sealing work. For a chemical‑free approach, place a few sachets of peppermint oil or dried lavender near entry points; the scent is unpleasant to rodents.
Finally, maintain a tidy perimeter. Trim back bushes and remove debris that can serve as a bridge for mice to reach your storage. Keep firewood stacked away from the building, and store it on a raised pallet. By limiting easy pathways, you reduce the chance of a mouse even considering a visit.
Implement these steps one by one, and you’ll notice fewer footprints and no chewed wires. It’s all about denying mice the comfort they need – a sealed entry, no food, and no cozy hiding spots. Stay proactive, and your storage will stay mouse‑free without expensive pest control.
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